1. Chapter 13- Exploring Government Choices and Liberalism

2. To what extent do democratic government practices reflect the values of liberalism?
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In what ways do the actions of Canada’s government reflect or go against liberal values?
In what ways can a democratic government enhance liberal values?

3. Chapter Question
In what ways do the actions of Canada’s government reflect or go against liberal values?

4. How is Canada’s Government Organized?
Canada is a parliamentary democracy.
This means that we are a representative democracy.
Canada is also a constitutional monarchy.
This means that we govern ourselves through our own constitution, however, we are still technically represented by the Queen.

5. Who Represents the Queen in our Government?
Governor General
Symbolic figurehead of the Queen (Michaelle Jean).
Four responsibilities (page 340):
To represent the Crown in Canada.
Represent all Canadians and support our Sovereignty.
To celebrate excellence.
To bring Canadians together.

6. Why Do We Need A Governor General?
List of criticisms listed halfway through page 339.

7. Organization of Our Government
Diagram on page 341.
Queen
Governor General
Senate
Appointed by Prime Minister
Prime Minister
Cabinet Members
House of Commons
Government and Opposition Members
Supreme Court of Canada
Federal Court of Canada
Provincial Courts

8. The Senate 342-343 “Upper House” of Canada
Job is to review the laws passed by the elected representatives (MP’s).
A “sober second thought” - John A. McDonald
Created to defeat the inequalities of “rep by pop”.
Represent the minority groups.
Appointed by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister.

9. What are the criticisms of a Senator?
Not elected, chosen by PM
Can stay until age 75
Do not always show up in Parliament, however still get paid taxpayers money.
They will just vote the way that the party who nominated them will (party solidarity).
List of Senate proposed reforms and results on page 344.

10. Problems With Traditional Canadians Politics
Nowhere in our Constitution does it say we need political parties. So why do we have them?
Some problems created:
Party Solidarity
Majority Governments
Minority Governments

11. Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Guarantees our rights as Canadian citizens.
Freedom to think and act in certain ways, and freedom from abuses of power by governments.
Are all groups in Canada equally represented by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms?